Means for intermittent fluid control devices



Sept, 5, 1939.

J. D. NIXON 2,171,812

MEANS FOR INTERMITTENT FLUID CONTROL DEVICES Original Filed Dec. 21, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 5, 1939. 4 J. D. NIXON 2,171,812

MEANS FOR INTERMITTENT FLUID CONTROL DEVICES Original Filed Dec. 21. 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Zlwuc Mot,

.Jeddg D. Nixon annua Sept. 5, 1939. J. D NIXON 2,171,312

MEANS FOR INTERMITTENT FLUID CONTROL DEVICES Original Filed Dec 21, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 1 f g g /06 sumac: cor/7,901 FLOW v4: v5 i 3 Fly. 5

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MEANS FOR INTERMITTENT FLUID CONTROL DEVICES Original Filed Dec. 21, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Spt. 5, 1939.

J. D NIXON 2,171,812

I MEANS FOR INTERMITTENT FLUID CONTROL DEVICES Original Filed Dec. 21, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 llllll Jeddy D. Nixon Sept. 5, J D N|XON 2,171,812

MEANS FOR INTERMITTENT FLUID CONTROL DEVICES Original Filed Dec. 21, 1933 Sheets-$hvet 6 Patented Sept. 5, 1939 MEANS FOR INTERMITTENT FLUID CONTROL DEVICES Jeddy D. Nixon, Houston, Tex., assignor of onehalf to Wilson 'Supply Company, Houston, Tex.,

a corporation of Texas Substituted for abandoned application Serial No. 117,103, December 21, 1936. This application November 17, 1938, Serial No. 241,040

Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in means for intermittent fluid control devices.

This application is filed as an improvement on my co-pending application, filed February 1, 1937, Serial Number 123,444, which has subsequently matured intd Patent Number 2,132,081, and as a'substitute for my abandoned application Serial No. 117,103 filed December 21, 1936.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved automatic intermittent control device for controlling the flow of fluids and arranged so that it may be regulated to produce a discharge given quantities of fluid, or control the flow of a fluid, at predetermined or designated intervals without the attendance of an operator; and which device, if desired, may be. made portable.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character described, wherein the fluid being controlled may be utilized as theoperating force, or wherein an extraneous pressure fluid may be employed.

A particular object of, the invention is to provide an intermittent control device having means for automatically cutting off the flow of the controlled fluid, when the latter reaches a predetermined point or elevation. I

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved system of intermittent fluid control which consists in, accumulating a pressure fluid until a desired pressure is reached, leading the pressure fluid to suitable controls for regulating the flow of a controlled fluid, and when the controlled fluid is flowing the operation of the con-' trols is discontinued, so that the flow of said controlled fluid is terminated.

Another object of the invention is to provide an intermittent control device so arranged that its intermittent control elements will be caused to begin and stop operating, smoothly and without a sudden actuation or marked vibration, whereby the. flow of the fluid will be steady and regular and excessive wear upon the equipment will be avoided.

Still another object of the invention'is to provide a chamber for accumulating an operating fluid and building up the pressure of said fluid for actuating a control valve; together with means for metering the supply of fluid to said chamber, whereby the frequency of intermittent operation of the device is regulated.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved system of intermittent fluid control which consists in, providing a supply of pressure fluid, conducting a portion of the pressure fluid to an actuator to operate the same, accumulating the conducted pressure fluid until a predetermined pressure suflicient to operate the actuator is reached and then releasing the pressure fluid from the actuator.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved system of intermittent fluid control which consists in, providing a supply of pressure fluid, conducting a portion of the pressure fluid to an actuator to operate the same, the actuator controlling the flow of a secondary fluid, the normal position of the-actuator cutting oil the flow of the secondary fluid, accumulating the conducted portion of said pressure fluid until a predetermined pressure suflficient to operate the actuator is reached, the operation of the actuator permitting the secondary fluid to flow, and the flowing of' the secondary fluid releasing the pressure fluid from the actuator to permit the same to return to its normal position and cut off the flow of the secondary fluid.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved system of controlling a well which consists in, providing a supply of pressure fluid for a well, a portion of the pressure fluid being bypassed to an intermittent control device, which at predetermined time intervals supplies said fluid to an actuator to operate the same, the actuator controlling the admission of pressure fluid to the well fluid in the well to lift said well fluid from said well, accumulating the bypassed portion of said pressure fluid until a predetermined pressure suflicient tooperate the actuator is reached, and the flowing of the well fluid releasing the pressure fluid from the actuator to permit the same to return to its normal position and discontinue the flow of the well fluid by cutting off the admission of pressure fluid-to said well A construction'designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features of the invention.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the invention is shown, and wherein;

Figure l is an elevation of a device constructed 1 in accordance with the invention, and shown as mounted on a well;

Figure 2 is a plan view; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view, illustratin how the invention may be connected to a well for operating the same;

'Figure 4 is a view, partly in section andpartly in elevation, of the tank and the structures connected directly to it; Figure 5 is a longitudinal, sectional view through one of the valves, and showing the actuating weight therein;

Figure 6 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation of the actuator;

Figure 7 is a longitudinal, sectional view of the relief valve;

Figure "8 is a vertical, sectional view of the operating or control valve;

Figure 9 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken on the line 9-3 of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a similar view taken on the line l0-- |0' of Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a vertical, cross-sectional view taken on the line of Figure 7;

Figure 12 is a detail of the wire line clamp;

Figure 13 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken on the line |3--| 3 of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a detail of the check valve;

Figure 15 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken on the line |5-|5 of Figure 5;

Figure 16 is an enlarged elevation of the valve, showing the inlet port thereof;

Figure 17 is a detail of the air vent of the actuator;

Figure 18 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken on the line |8| 3 of Figure 7;

Figure 19 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken on the line l9|5 of Figure 8;

Figure 20 is a diagrammatic view, showing how the invention may be applied to a well and the flow valve in the well being closed;

Figure 21 is a similar view, showing how the flow valve is opened; and

Figure 22 is an enlarged, detaiLview of the inlet port of said flow valve.

In the drawings, the numeral 20 designates a cylindrical, elongate tank mounted on standards 2|, which have feet 23 that are adapted to rest upon a suitable support, such. as a derrick floor 24 of a well. The ends of the tank 20 are closed by caps or heads 22 and 22' and the interior of said tank is provided with transverse, vertical partitions 25, which divide the tank into chambers A, B and C. Each chamber has a suitable drain outlet or pet cock 20 connected in its bottom.

While the invention has numerous uses and is not to be limited to any particular one, it has been found very satisfactory as a control for fluid lifts, such as are used to elevate well fluids. In explaining the invention, it will be described and illustrated in connection with such a lift. These fluid lifts use a pressure fluid to raise the well fluid by both displacement and by lifting.

In the installation shown in the drawings, the pressure fluid is supplied from a suitable source, (not shown) such as a compressor station or a as well, to the well through a pipe 21 and a T 28. The pipe and T are connected to the usual casing head 29 mounted on the upper end of a well casing I04 and supporting the usual string of tubing I05. A swaged nipple 30 connects the T and a pipe 3|, which pipe extends to the tank 20. As will be seen in Figures 1 and 4, the pipe 30 includes a suitable control valve 32 which is manually operated and said pipe is connected directly into the cap 22, so as to lead the pressure fluid from the pipe 21 into the chamber A.

The pressure fluid supplied to the tank by said pipe 21 may be the same as that supplied to the casing I04, or it may be an extraneous pressure fluid. At any rate, the chamber A will be filled with a pressure fluid at. substantially the same pressure as is held in the pipe 21 and the casing I04. This chamber is provided with an outlet port 34 in which is threaded a pipe 35 having a suitable metering or needle valve 36 connected therein. The other end of the pipe 35 is connected into an inlet port 31 in the chamber B. The metering valve 36 is regulated so as to control the rate of feed or input of pressure fluid from the chamber A into the chamber 1B. Thus, it will be seen that the supply or feed of pressure fluid is positively controlled by the valve 36 and the time required to accumulate the necessary working pressure in chamber B may be varied by adjusting said valve. A suitable pressure gauge 38 is connected in the chamber B, so as to readily indicate the pressure therein, as well as the. fluctuations of such pressure.

The chamber B is provided with an outlet port 39 in which is threaded the lower end of a short length of upright pipe 40 and the upper end of said pipe is connected into the lower end of an operating or control valve 4| (Figures 1, 4 and 8). The lower end of the valve case 4| is provided with a nipple 42, that is screw-threaded into said case and is provided with an axial bore or port 43, the upper end of which is countersunk so as to form an inclined, annular seat 44. A valve mandrel slidable axially within the valve case, is provided with a depending stud or pin 46, having on its lower end a frustro-conical tip 41 for engaging in the inclined seat 44. Above the pin 46, an annular guide head or collar 48 is fastened on the mandrel and is provided with a plurality of ducts or ports 49 extending therethrough (Figures 8 and 19). The guide head 48 has a snug sliding fit within the valve case 4|, which causes any fluid admitted to the pipe 40 to flow through the ports 49. A circular valve orshut-off disk 50 is fastened on the mandrel above said guide head and this disk also has a snug sliding fit within said valve "case 4|".

This valve case is provided with a pair of outlet ports BI and 62, intermediate its ends and preferably diametrically opposite each other. It will be seen that this disk 50 closes or shuts off the lower end of said valve case below said outlet ports and prevents the escape or passage of any fluid. It is particularly pointed out that said disk acts or serves as an equalizing valve, because the area of the under surface of said disk is so much greater than the lower end of the frustroconical tip 41. When said disk is raised above the lower edge of the outlet ports GI and 62, so as to permit the passage of the pressure fluid, the passage of said fluid pressure lifts said disk to a full open position and holds it there. It is pointed out that said disk will remain inthis open position until the pressure of the fluid above and around said disk and that below the tip 41 are substantially equalized. The disk will remain in this open position for a sufficient length of time to permit the pipes 64, 80 and 85, the chamber C and the cylinder 86 beneath the plunger 89 to fill to substantially the same pressure as that above and around said disk, so as to move said plunger to its upper position (Fig. 6) with a slow and smooth action. When the pressure above and below said disk are substantially equalized and practically no more pressure fluid will flow from'beneath said disk, then and only then will said disk move downwardly and close 01f the lower portion of said valve case 4|.

The valve mandrel 45 is enlarged just above the disk 50 and is then reduced to provide an upstanding, axial guide stem 5|, which slidably engages within the axial bore 52 of a bushing 53. The bushing is screwed into the upper end of the bore of the valve case 4| and projects thereabove, so that an annular, elongated cap or head 54 may be screwed onto the upper portion of the bushing 53. It will be seen in Figure 8 that by removing the cap 54, said bushing may valve sion of the spring 55 is increased and all of the.

slidable valve parts therebelow are held in their lowermost positions (Figure 8) with increased force; and if said bushing were screwed upwardly in said valve case, the compression of saidspring would be lessened, with a resultant reducing of the force exerted on said movable valve parts. The tension of said spring 55 controls the amount of pressure required in chamber B in order to openthe tip 41 and disk 50, as well, as to hold said tip and disk in a closed position until sufficient pressure is built up in the chamber B to overcome the tension of said spring.

The upper end of the cap 54 is provided with an axial, screw-threaded opening 54, into which isthreaded a hexagonal, elongated cage 56 having a bore 51 extending axially thereof and counter-bored at its upper end to form a seat 58,.from which a vertical port 58' extends. A ball valve 59is mounted within the bore 51 of the cage 56 for engaging the seat 58 to form a pop valve. A pin 68 is inserted across the bore 51 of said cage, so as to limit the downward movement of said ball. It is pointed out (Figure 8) that said ball is of such size and so restricts the bore of said cage, that when suddenly subjected to a high fluid pressure, it will be lifted or carried up to the seat 58 and held there, so as to close the port 58' and prevent the escape of the pressure fluid from'the valve case 4| to the atmosphere. However, there is suflicient clearance between the ball and the wall of the bore 51 to permit the passage of fluid around the ball, so that when the pressure and velocity of said fluid has been materially reduced, said ball 58 will fall and rest upon the pin 60, thereby permitting the escape of said pressure fluid from said valve case 4! to the atmosphere.

The outlet ports 6| and 62 (Figures 4 and 8) are internally screw-threaded, so that a short length of pipe 64 my be threaded into the port 6| and a short length of pipe 88 threaded into the port 62. The pipe 64 leads to one end of a diaphragm operated, relief valve 63 (Figures 4 and 10). and the other end of this valve is connected to a pipe 65, which extends'to a T 66 connected in the well fluid flow line 61. The

pipe 65 is supported by a standard 68 mounted on but not connected to the drum 28 and is threaded into a concavo-convex cap or head 68 (Figures 4 and 7) on one end of the valve cage 63. This cap conflnes a diaphraln 18 between said cap and one end of said valve cage, thus forming a chamber 68. On the opposite side of the diaphram, a circular piston 11- mounted on a piston or valve rod 12 works within a cylinder 13. A suitable coil spring 14 surrounds said valve rod 12 and at one end bears against the piston 1 I, and at the other end against a retainer plate 15. This plate is provided with a pair of ears 15", which are slidable on a pair of rods or bolts 16 that are longer than the other bolts I16 holding the cap 68 on the valve cage 68. The bolts 16 are preferably screw-threaded throughout their length, so that the plate 15 may be adjusted on said bolts by the nuts 16' on each side of said plate.. I

Thus, it will be seen that with this arrangement, the compression of said spring 14 may be adjusted so as to compensate for variances in the pressure of the well fluid in the pipes 65-and 61. By regulating the compression on said spring, the piston may be actuated whenever desired; such as when only a portion of a charge of well fluid has passed the T 66; or when the major portion of a charge has passed said T;-or if the well fluid has to be carried a long distance, which builds up a back pressure in the pipes 65 and 61, the spring 14 is adjusted so that the piston 1| v will not be actuated, until the pressure fluid introduced into the casing I84 and the tubing I05 has lifted all of the charge of well fluid and begins building up a pressure in the T 66 and pipe 65 muchgreater than the above mentioned back pressure. It is pointed out that this spring may be readily adjusted to handle the necessary pressures exerted on the diaphram 18 and piston 1| from the pipe 65, in accordance with the various well conditions encountered.

The other end of the valve rod 12 is provided with a cylindrical head or boss 11 formed with an inclined valve face 18 on one end for engaging a complementary seat 18' in the chamber 18. The head 11 is provided with a plurality of Iongitudinal, external .channels 11, which serve as passageways and said head protrudes into said chamber 18 in the end of the valve cage 63 adjacent the pipe 64. When said head 11 and valve face 18 are in their open position, the chamber 18 is open to the atmosphere through an exhaust port I18, so as to exhaust any fluid in the pipes 64 and 39, the valve cage 4! above the disk 50, the valve cage 56 and the chamber 18.

The pipe 80 is connected to a check valve 8|, (Figures 1, 4 and 14) which has the usual flap 82pivotally mounted therein. The flap 82 is provided with a small hole or bleed opening 88 extending therethroughgso that a small amount of fluid may escape through said hole when the flap is in its closed position. The other end of the check valve 8i is connected to aT 84 in an upright I which serves as a pressure cushion. The upper end of the pipe 85 is connected to the tubular housing or cylinder 86 of an actuator 86, (Figures1,6and 17).

This cylinder is suitably suspended over the well, either in the usual drilling derrick 8 from the crown block I 28 at the upper end of said derrick, or in a stub derrick made for this purpose, or in any other desired support. The upper end of the cylinder 86 is closed by a vented cap 81 having an upright ear 81 formed thereon, through which a loop of' a cable 88 depending from the crown block I28 of the derrick H8,- or other suitable support is inserted. A piston or actuator 88 having suitable piston rings or cups 88 thereon works within the cylinder 86 and is mounted on a piston rod 8| extending axially of said cylinder and out the lower end thereof. The lower end of said cylinder is provided with an elongated cap 88' having a transverse partition 82' forming a chamber 82 therebelow for containing a suitable lubricant, such a lubricating oil, and a filler pipe 83 is connected to said cap for said lubricant chamber. The lower end of the cap 88' carria a suitable stufling box 84 containing packing 85, which surrounds the piston rod 8| to prevent the escape ofsaid lubricant. The piston rod extends down through the partition 92', chamber 92 and out through said stufling box. Y

The lower end of said piston rod is screwed into the upper end of an elongated wire line clamp 96 (Figures 6 and 12) and fastened therein by a lock nut 91. The lower portion of the clamp 96 is cut back, as is shown in Figure 12, and provided with an axial groove 98 (Figure 13); so that one side of a wire line, cable, or other element 99 may be imbedded in said groove. A clamping member I00 is fastened on to the lower end of said clamp by bolts I02 and nuts I02,

as will be seen in Figures 12 and 13, and said member I00 has a complementary groove IOI, whereby the opposite side of said wire line 99 may be imbedded therein. When the member I00 is fastened to the clamp 96, said wire line 99 will be securely clamped therein and any movement of said clamp will be transmitted to said wire line. Whenever pressure fluid is admitted to the cylinder 86 through the pipe 85, the piston will be elevated therein and said piston rod 9I will carry said clamp 96 and wire line 99 therewith, whereby any device attached to said wire line will likewise be lifted. In Figure 1, it will be seen that the slack end of said wire line extends up over the sheaves of the crown block I20 on the upper end of the derrick 9.,

and then down to a suitable drum or hoist I03, as is the usual practice. It is preferred that the cylinder 86 be suspended coaxially with the tubing I05 of the well, thus assuring a vertical alinement.

As has been stated, the invention has been very successful in connection with theoperationof a fluid lift for wells, but the invention is not to be limited to this particular use. In order to explain the invention and how it may be used with a fluid lift, I have illustrated a particular valve structure and a fluid lift, as set forth in the aforementioned patent and copending application Serial No. 123,444, filed February 1, 1937, now Patent 2,132,081, issued October 4, 1938. It is herewith pointed out that due to my invention, I have a positive and accurate control of a well and have been able to successfully and economically handle the well fluid with a fluid lift, as shown in the drawings. The casing I04 extends down into the well, as is the usual practice, and a string of tubing I05 is mounted within said casing (Figures 1, 3, 20 and 21). This string of tubing contains a plurality of flow valves I06, (Figures 3, 5, 15, 16, 20, 21 and 22) which are spaced in accordance with the conditions and circumstances surrounding the well. If desired, a suitable standing valve I01, or any other flow equipment may be mounted in the tubing string and on the lower end of said tubing it is more desirable to connect a perforated bull plug I08. The flow valves I06 are shown as formed of elongated collars having an internal, cylindrical chamber I09 with a number of inwardly directed, g'uide ribs IIO extending thereinto and having their upper and lower ends beveled. A ball valve III is confined in a cage II2 screwed into the side of the valve I06. The cage has a fluid inlet port II3, whereby fluid may enter said tubing from said casing, so that the fluid level in said tubing will be above the ball valve I II and will be the same as that in said casing.

' Whenever the pressure fluid in said casing encounters said ball valve III, said valve will be seated and thus, close off said tubing from said casing at this point. It will be seen (Figures 5, 15, 20, 21 and 22) that when the ball II I is seated,

a portion thereof will protrude into the axial bore of saidvalve I06. A tripping weight bar H4 is fastened on the lower end of the wire line 99 and has its lower end pointed, so that it will more readily descend in said tubing and enter the valves I06. The upper end of this weight is reduced, in order that said weight also may readily enter the valvesupon the upward travel thereof. When said weight bar I I4 is lowered into or raised out of saidvalve I06, the guide ribs IIO will center said weight in the bore of said valve and this weight is of such diameter, as to engage the ball .valve III and force the same from its seat in the cage I I2 (Figures 5, 15 and 22). In this position, communication is established between said casing and said tubing at this point, so that the pressure fluid in said casing I04 may flow into said tubing I05. When said weight is lifted or lowered out of said valve I06, the ball valve III will be released by said weight and the flow of pressure fluid through said cage will seat said ball valve and hold it closed, whereby the elevation of fluid in said tubing from this point is terminated.

In operation, the fluid level of the well, on which a fluid lift and the intermittent control device are to be installed, is ascertained and the tubing string I05 is lowered into said well. 'In accordance with the fluid level and other well conditions, the bull plug I08 or a screen (not shown) of the desired length is screwed onto the lower end of said tubing string, then the standing valve I0! is connected in said tubing and said tubing string made up in the usual manner. The

desired or necessary number of flow valves I 06 are inserted in said tubing string, in accordance with the above mentioned conditions of said well. After said tubing is made up and suspended within said casing from the casing head 29, the weight bar II4 on the lower end of the wire line 99 is loweredinto said tubing. The movement of the wire line, atthis time, is controlled by the hoist I03. This weight bar may be lowered into the uppermost flow valve, or whichever one it is desired to operate.

This uppermost valve is usually set below the standing level of the well fluid-and when said weight bar is suspended insaid valve, (Figure 5) said ball valve III will be held off its seat in the cage II 2 (Figures 15 and 22). The pressure fluid introduced into the upper end of said casing, through the casing head 29 from the T 28 and pipe 21, will be above the standing level of said well fluid in said casing. The pressure fluid will force said well fluid through the inlet port II 3 of the opened valve cage II2 around the ball I II and into said tubing. As the level of said well fluid in said casing recedes, due to the forcing of said well fluid into said tubing. the level or column of well fluid in said tubing rises. When the level of well fluid in said casing reaches the opened valve cage I I2, the pressure fluid will flow into said tubing around said ball valve I II and cut off the column of well fluid in said tubing at this point into a charge of well fluid. This charge of well fluid will be lifted up and out of said tubing through the flow line 61 to a separator, or other suitable disposal (not shown). If only one flow valve is used, then said weight bar is lowered out of said valve to a position, as

shown in Figure 20 which is a short distance below said valve, and the wire line clamp 96 is fastened around said wire line 99 so astofsecurely hold the same. The intermittent control device is now ready for actuation and controls the movement of the wire line instead of the hoist )3. However, if it is desired or necessary to use more than one flow valve, or the well has to be produced from a lower level, then the weight bar is lowered by means of the hoist to the next valve, where the same operation occurs that has been set out above for the uppermost valve. When the desired level and valve is reached, the wire line 99 is attached as has been described and the use of the hoist I03 is discontinued.

Pressure fluid is supplied to the pipe 3| from the T 28 and pipe 21, and is led by said pipe 3| through the valve 32, which has now been opened, into the chamber A of the tank 28, so that said chamber will be filled with approximately the same pressure as contained in the pipes 3| and 21 (Figures 1 and 2). However, the pressure fluid supplied to the chamber A may be any extraneous fluid of sufficient pressure to operate the control device and lift the piston 98, wire line 99 and weight I I4. The pressure fluid in the chamber A will flow therefrom into the pipe 35 and the metering valve 35 is regulated, so as to control the flow of the pressure fluid through the pipe 35 into the chamber B. The l time required to build up the predetermined pressure in the chamber B, will be governed entirely by the rate of flow through the valve 35 and the compression of the spring 55 in the valve case 4|.

When the pressure of the fluid within said chamber B reaches a predetermined degree, which is suflicient to overcome the compression of said spring 55, the frustro-conical tip 41 will be raised from the inclined seat 44 and permit the pressure fluid to flow from the chamber B through the pipe 40 and passage 43 into said valve case 4|. This pressure fluid will pass through the openings 49 in the guide head 48 and act upon the disk 50 to increase the speed of opening of said valve. rises above the outlet ports 5| and 52, said pressure fluid will immediately fill said valve case and close the upper end thereof, by raising the ball 59 and holding it against its seat 58. Said pressure fluid will also enter the pipe 54 and chamber 19, as well as the pipe 80, the check valve 8|, the T 84 and the pipe 85. The valve 18 being normally seated, which closes the duct I18, the pressure fluid will flow down the pipe 85 into the chamber C, as well as up the pipe into the cylinder 88 beneath the piston 89. The chamber C serves as a cushioning chamber, so as to prevent the full force of said pressure fluid from entering said cylinder and moving said piston upwardly too suddenly.

As soon as the-pressure of the fluid on each side of the disk 5|) becomes sufliciently balanced, the spring 55 will close said valves 58 and 41. However, this pressure will. not equalize or balance on each side of said disk until the pipes 54, 80 and 85, the chamber (J and the cylinder 85 beneath the piston 89 have filled with the pressure fluid to a pressure substantially equal or to within a few pounds differential to the pressure within the chamber B. When this valve 4| has closed, the pressure within the chamber B will ready been pointed out, said piston rod may be connected to any suitable device desired and when As soon as the disk 5|) said rod is raised, said device may be actuated, or the operation thereof may be discontinued, depending entirely on the device and how it is connected to said rod. Inasmuch as applicant has shown the-invention used with a well fluid lift, the lower end of said rod is connected to the wire line 99 by means of the wire line clamp 95 thereon (Figures 6, 12 and 13). Upon upward movement of said rod 9| and piston 89, the weight bar 4 on the lower-end of said wire line will be lifted or raised into the flow valve I95 (Figure 21). It is pointed out that said weight bar was positioned a short distance below said flow valve before said wire line was clamped to said rod, as shown in Figure 20.

As has been pointed out, when said weight bar is in one of said flow valves (Figures 5, 15, 20 and 22), the valve cage 2 therein is open and the pressure fluid in said casing will enter said flow valve and out off the column of well fluid in said tubing andsaid valve. The pressure fluid entering said valve will lift this out 01f charge or slug of well fluid up and out of said tubing and into the flow line 51. The lifted charge of well fluid flowing through said flow line will also pass through the T 55 into the pipe 55 and chamber 59' formed by the cap 59 on the relief valve 53. The fluid will distort the diaphragm l and move the piston 1| in the cylinder 13, which slides the piston rod 12 (Figures 4 and 7) to the left and the valve 18 of! its seat 18'. v This permits the longitudinal channels 11' of the valve head TI to open the chamber [9 to the atmosphere through the port I". As soon as this chamber is opened, said chamben'the pipe 64, the valve body 4| and the pipe 88 will be emptied of pressure fluid and the check valve 8| securely closed. The ball 59 will drop down onto the pin 50, as shown in Figure 8, and the pressure fluid in the cylinder 85', pipe 85, T 84 and chamber C will begin to bleed through the small opening 83 in the pivoted flap 82 of said check valve. This pressure fluid bleeding through the opening 83 will flowinto the valve case 4| above the disk 58, through the bore 51 of the valve cage 55, around the ball valve 59 and out of the port 58'. Inasmuch as the gas is flowing or escaping out of the port 58 at a greatly reduced pressure, said ball 59 will not be picked up and carried bnto its seat,58.

After the passage of the charge of well fluid in the flow line 51, the chamber 59 will be'drained or at least the pressure therein reduced, so that said spring 14 may return the diaphragm l0 and piston 1| to their original positions (Figures 4 and 7) and close the valve 18. As the pressure fluid in the cylinder 85, the chamber C, the pipe 85 and the T 84 escapes through the port 58' of the cage 55 on the upper end of the valve case 4|, the piston 89 and rod 9| are lowered, as well as the wire line 99 and weight bar 4. Thus, said bar is again lowered out of said flow valve I to the position shown in Figure 20, which closes said valv and prevents the entrance of additional pressure fluid from said casing I84 until said valve is again opened. pointed out that the pop valve 58 serves an additional purpose to that described, which is as a leak valve between operating periods. Any pressure fluid escaping from chamber B into the valve case 4|, past the tip 41 and disk 50, will escape through the valve cage 56 instead of filling It is particularly the chamber 0, pipe and cylinder 85, and

thereby lifting the piston 89. Thus, this valve ca e 55 will prevent the weight bar 4 from being pulled up into the flow valve I06 and prematurely actuating the fluid lift] The device is now ready for another operation and as soon as the pressure fluid builds the predetermined pressure in'the chamber B, the above operation of the intermitter will be repeated. While this particular valve and fluid lift has been shown as connected'with the intermittent control device, I use this fluid lift and valve to constantly flow the well without the intermitter. The valve 32 is either closed or the intermitter is not even connected. 1

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An intermittent control device for controlling the flow of a secondary fluid including, a conduit for the secondary fluid being controlled, a pressure fluid supply inlet, a pressure fluid reservoir for supplying pressure fluid, a pressure ,fluid accumulating chamber, a conductor connecting said reservoir with said chamber for conducting the pressure fluid from said inlet to said chamber, a metering device for regulating the flow'of pressure fluid through said conductor, a cylinder having an air vent and an inlet opening therein, a pressure fluid operated plunger slidable within said cylinder and operated by the pressure fluid from said accumulating chamber, means in said conduit for admitting pressure fluid into the conduit, a. control member connected to and operated by said plunger for controlling said pressure fluid admitting means to control the flow of said secondary: fluid, a valve connected with said accumulating chamber and said cylinder for controlling the supply of pressure fluid to said cylinder through said inlet opening, said valve being so arranged as to be actuated by a predetermined pressure of fluid within said chamber, means for controlling the operation of said valve within predetermined limits, and a release valve connected with said controlling valve and said conduit and having a diaphragm exposed to the secondary fluid and arranged to be operated by the pressure of said secondary. fluid to release said pressure fluid from said control valve and said cylinder.

2. An intermittent control device for controlling the flow of a secondary fluid including, a

conduit for the secondary fluid being controlled, a pressure fluid supplyinlet, a pressur fluid reservoir for supplying pressure fluid, a pressure fluidv accumulating chamber, a conductor connecting said reservoir with said chamber for conducting the pressure fluid from said inlet to said chamber, a metering device for regulating the flow of pressure fluid through said conductor, a cylinder having an air vent and an inlet opening therein, a pressure fluid operated plunger slidable within said cylinder and operated by the pressure fluid from said accumulating chamber, means in said conduit for admitting pres-- sure fluid into the conduit, a control member connected to and operated by said plunger for controlling said pressure fluid admitting means to control the flow of said secondary fluid, a valve connected with said accumulating chamber and said cylinder for controlling the supply of pressure fluid to said cylinder through said inlet opening, said valve being so arranged as to be actuated by a predetermined, pressure 01 fluid within said chamber, a fluid cushioning chamber connected with said control valve and said cylinder to cushion the flow of pressure fluid to said cylinder, whereby the operation of said plunger is smooth and relatively slow, a check valve having a small bleed opening therein and connected to said control valve between said valve and said cushioning chamber and cylinder, and a release valve connected with said controlling valve and said conduit and having a diaphragm exposed to the secondary fluid and arranged to be operated by the pressure of said secondary fluid to r'elease the pressure fluid from said control valve and said cylinder.

3. A control unit for a pressure fluid flowing apparatus for controlling the flow of a secondary fluid including, a conduit for the secondary fluid being controlled, a pressure fluid supply inlet, a pressure fluid accumulating chamber, a conductor connecting said inlet with said chamber for conducting the pressure fluid from said inlet to said chamber, means for regulating the flow of pressure fluid through said conductor, pressure fluid responsive means-for reducing said pressure fluid in said chamber when a predetermined pressure has accumulated in said chamber, an actuator connected to said responsive means and operated by the pressure fluid released from said chamber, means in said conduit for admitting pressure fluid into the conduit, a control member connected to said actuator for controlling said pressure fluid admitting means to control the flow of said secondary fluid and operated by, said actuator, and means including an element exposed to said secondary fluid arranged to be operated by the pressure of said flowing secondary fluid for releasing the pressure fluid from said actuator.

4. A control unit for a pressure fluid flowing apparatus for controlling the flow of a secondary fluid including, a conduit for the fluid being controlled, a pressure fluid supply inlet, a pressure fluid accumulating chamber, a conductor connecting said inlet with said chamber for conducting the pressure fluid from said inlet to said chamber, means for controlling the flow of pressure fluid through said conductor, pressure fluid responsive means for reducing said pressure fluid in said chamber when a predetermined pressure has accumulated in said chamber, an actuator connected to said responsive means and operated by the pressure fluid released from said chamber, means in said conduit for admitting pressure fluid into the conduit, a control member connected to said actuator for controlling said pressure fluid admitting means to control the flow of said secondary fluid and operated by said actuator, and means including an element exposed to said secondary fluid arranged to be operated by the pressure of said flowing secondary fluid for releasing the pressure fluid from said actuator, and cushioning means connected to said pressure responsive means and said actuator so when said responsive means is actuated the flow of pressure fluid from said chamber is cushioned so that the operation of said actuator is smooth and steady.

5. An intermittent control device for controlling the flow of an extraneous fluid including a flow conduit for the fluid being controlled, a pressure fluid supply inlet, a pressure fluid accumulating chamber, means for feeding pressure fluid from said inlet to said chamber; pressure fluid actuated means connected to said chamber and actuated by'the pressure fluid accumulated in said chamber, means for regulating the feed of pressure fluid to said chamber to control the frequency of operation of said pressure actuated means, a valve in said actuated means for controlling the supply of pressure fluid from said chamber to said actuated means, means in said conduit for admitting pressure fluid into the conduit, controlling means having a fluid pres sure connection with said actuated means and operated by the pressure fluid released from said chamber by said actuated means for controlling said pressure fluid admitting means to control the flow of said extraneous fluid through said conduit, cushioning means connected to said pressure actuated means and said controlling means so that when said pressure actuated means is actuated the flow of said pressure fluid from said chamber is cushioned and the operation of said actuator is smooth and steady, and means arranged to be operated by the flow of said extraneous fluid in said conduit for releasing said pressure fluid from said control means and said pressure actuated means.

6. An intermittent control device for controlling the flow of an extraneous fluid including, a conduit for said extraneous fluid, a pressure fluid supply inlet, a pressure fluid accumulating chamber for receiving pressure fluid from said fluid inlet, means for feeding pressure fluid from said inlet to said chamber, a spring-loaded valve connected to said chamber and actuated by the pressure fluid accumulated in said chamber, a cylinder connected to said valve, a pressure fluid operated plunger in said cylinder and actuated by said pressure fluid released from said chamber by said valve, a metering device connected to said feed- ,ing means for regulating the feed of pressure fluid to said chamber to control the frequency of operation of said valve and said plunger, means in said conduit for admitting pressure fluid into the conduit, 9. control member connected to said plunger and actuated thereby for controlling said pressure fluid admitting means to control the flow of said extraneous fluid in said conduit, and means actuated by said extraneous fluid for releasing said pressure fluid from said valve and said cylinder when said extraneous fluid is flowlng.

7. An intermittent control device for controlling the flow of an extraneous fluid including, a conduit for said extraneous fluid, a pressure fluid supply inlet, a pressure fluid accumulating chamber for receiving pressure fluid from said fluid inlet, means for feeding pressure fluid from said inlet to said chamber, a spring-loaded valve connected to said chamber and actuated by the pressure fluid accumulated in said chamber, a cylinder connected to said valve, a pressure fluid operated plunger in said cylinder and actuated by said pressure fluid released from said chamber by said valve, a metering device connected to said feeding meansfor regulating the feed of pressure fluid to said chamber to control the frequency of operation of said valve and said plunger, means in said conduit foradmitting pressure fluid into the conduit, a control member connected to said plunger and actuated thereby for controlling'said pressure fluid admitting means to control the flow of said extraneous fluid in said conduit, means for controlling the operation of said valve within predetermined limits, and means actuated by said extraneous fluid for releasing said pressure fluid from said valve and said cylinder when said extraneous fluid is flowing in said conduit. 1

8. An intermittent control device for controlling the flow of an extraneous fluid including, a conduit for said extraneous fluid, a pressure fluid supply inlet, a pressure fluid accumulating chamber for receiving pressure fluid from said fluid inlet, means for feeding pressure fluid from said inlet to said chamber, a spring-loaded valve connected to said chamber and actuated by the pressure fluid accumulated in said chamber, a cylinder connected to said valve, a pressure fluid operated plunger in said cylinder and actuated by said pressure fluid released from said chamber by said valve, a metering device connected to said feeding means for regulating the feed of pressure fluid to said chamber to control the frequency of operation of said valve and said plunger, means in said conduit for admitting pressure fluid into the conduit, a control member connected to said plunger and actuated thereby for controlling said pressure fluid admitting means tocontrol the flow of said extraneous fluid, and means actuated by the flow of said extraneous fluid for releasing said pressure fluid from said valve and said cylinder when said extraneous fluid is flowing in, said conduit, fluid cushioning means connected to said cylinder and said valve so when said valve i's'actuated by said pressure fluid in said chamber the flow of said pressure fluid from said valve is cushioned so that the operation of said plunger is smooth and steady.

9. An intermittent control device for controlling the flow of an extraneous fluid including a conduit for said extraneous fluid, a pressure fluid supply inlet, a pressure fluid accumulating chamber for receiving pressure fluid from said fluid inlet, means for feeding pressure fluid from said inlet to said chamber, a spring-loaded valve connected to said chamber and actuated by the pressure fluid accumulated in said chamber, a cylinder connected to said valve, a pressure fluid operated plunger in said cylinder and actuated by said pressure fluid released from said chamber by said valve, a metering device connected to said feeding means for regulating the feed of pressurev fluid to said chamber to control the frequency of operation of said valve and said plunger, means in said'conduit for admitting pressure fluid into the conduit, a control member connected to said plunger and actuated thereby for controlling said pressure fluid admitting means to control the flow of said extraneous fluid, and means for releasing said pressure fluid from said valve and said cylinder when said extraneous fluid is flowing comprising a diaphragm valve connected with said control valve and said cylinder and arranged to be operated when exposed to a predetermined pressure of said extraneous fluid.

10. An intermittent control device for controlling the flow of an extraneous fluid including, a conduit for said extraneous fluid, a pressure fluid supply inlet, a pressure fluid accumulating chamber for receiving pressure fluid from said fluid inlet, means for feeding pressure'fluid from said inlet to said chamber, a spring-loaded valve connected to said chamber and actuated by the pressure fluid accumulated in said chamber, a cylinder connected to said valve, a pressure fluid operated plunger in said cylinder and actuated by said pressure fluid released from said chamber by said valve,'a metering device connected to said feeding means for regulating the feed of pressure fluidto said chamber to control the frequency of operation of said valve and said plunger, means in conduit, 9. control member connected to said plunger and actuated thereby for controlling said pressure fluid admitting means to control the flow of said extraneous fluid, and means for releasing said pressure fluid from said valve and said cylinder when said extraneous fluid is flowing, comsaid conduit for admitting pressure fluid .into the prising a diaphragm valve connected with said control valve and said cylinder and arranged to be operated when exposed to a predetermined pressure of said extraneous fluid, and fluid cushioning means connected to said cylinder and said valve so when said valve is actuated by said pres-. sure fluid in said chamber the flow of said pressure fluid from said valve iscushioned so that the operation of said plunger is smooth and steady.

An intermittent control device for controlling the flow of a secondary fluid including, a flow conduit for said secondary fluid, a pressure fluid reservoir for supplying pressure fluid, a pressure fluid accumulating chamber for receiving pressure fluid, a flow pipe connecting said chamber with said reservoir, a metering device connected in said pipe for regulating the flow pressure fluid through said pipe to control the accumulation of pressure fluid in said chamber, a spring loaded valve connected to said chamber for receiving pressure fluid from said chamber and arranged to be actuated by the pressure fluid accumulated in said chamber, a cylinder connected to said valve, a pressure fluid operated plunger slidable in said cylinder and actuated by said pressure fluid released from the chamber by said valve, a cushioning chamber connected to said valve and said cylinder for receiving a portion of the flow of pressure fluid from said valve so that the operation of said plunger in said cylinder will be smooth and relaively slow, means in said conduit for admitting pressure fluid into the conduit, a control member connected to said plunger and actuated thereby for controlling said pressure fluid admitting means to control the flow of said secondary fluid through said conduit, and means including an element exposed to and arranged to be operated by the flowing of said secondary fluid for releasing said pressure fluid from said cylinder to permit said plunger to return to its normal position.

2. A system of controlling the flow of an extraneous fluid which includes, a flow conduit for said extraneous fluid, a flow pipe for supplying a to said'accumulating means and intermittently actuated by the pressure of said accumulated pressure fluid for reducing the pressure of said pressure fluid in said accumulating means, pressure fluid actuated means connected to said reducing means and operated by the pressure fluid released from said accumulating means, means in said conduit for admitting pressure fluid into the conduit, a control member connected to said pressure fluid actuated means and operated thereby for controlling said pressure fluid admitting means to control the flow of the extraneous fluid, and means for releasing the pressure fluid from said actuated means, said release means being operated by the flow of said extraneous fluid. a

13. A system of controlling the lifting of well fluid which includes, a well, a flow conduit in said well, a flow conductor for supplying a pressure fluid to said well, a flow pipe connected to said conductor, means connected in said pipe for regulating the flow of said pressure fluid through said pipe, means for accumulating said pressure fluid from said pipe, means connected to said accumulating means and intermittently actuated accumulating means, means in said conduit for admitting pressure fluid into the conduit, control means in said flow line connected to said pressure fluid actuated means and operated thereby for controlling said pressure fluid admitting means to control the admission of pressure fluid in said well to said flow conduit, and means for releasing the pressure fluid from said actuated means,

said means being operated by the flow of said well fluid in said flow conduit.

14. A system of, controlling the lifting of well fluid which includes, a well, a flow line in said well for providing a column of well fluid, means for supplying a pressure fluid to said well, means for controlling the admission of pressure fluid to said column of well fluid, a flow conduit connected to said supply means for by-passing a portion of said pressure fluid, means connected in said conduit for regulating the flow of said pressure fluid through said conduit, means for accumulating said pressure fluid from said conduit, means connected to said accumulating means and intermittently operated by the pressure of said accumulated pressure fluid for reducing the pressure of said pressure fluid in said accumulating means to set up a pressure difierential fona predetermined period of time to actuate said pressure fluid admission controlling means for said column of well fluid to flow said well fluid, and means connected to said flow line and actuated by the pressure of the flowing well fluid for releasing the pressure fluid from said reducing means whereby to cut off the admis-- sion of said pressure fluid to said column of well fluid.

15. A system of controlling the lifting of well fluid which includes, a well, a flow line in said well for providing a column of well fluid, means for supplying a pressure fluid to said well, means for controlling the admission of pressure fluid to said column of well fluid, a flow conduit connected to said supply means for by-passing a portion of said pressure fluid, means connected in said conduit for regulating the flow of said pressure fluid through said conduit, means for accumulating said pressure fluid from said conduit, means connected to said accumulating means and intermittently operated by the pressure of said accumulated pressure fluid for reducing the pressure of said pressure fluid in said accumulating means to set up a pressure differential for a predetermined period of time to actuate said pressure fluid admission controlling means for said column of well fluid to flow said well fluid, means connected to said flow line and actuated by the pressure of the flowing well fluid for releasing the pressure fluid from said reducing means, whereby to cut ofi the admission of said pressure fluid to said column of well fluid, and cushioning means connected to' said accumulating means and said pressure fluid admission actuating means so that when said reducing means is actuated by the pressure fluid in said accumulating means the flow of said pressure fluid therefrom is cushioned so that the operation of said admission controlling means is smooth and relatively slow.

' 'JEDDY D. NIXON. 

